When we decide to install an aquarium we usually look for one that does not cause us much work. The moment in which we lean towards one for Saltwater Fish is because we already know that it does not require more maintenance. In addition, an aquarium usually brings together very showy and colorful species whose contemplation gives us a wonderful relaxation. By continuing this reading you will learn more about these fish.
Saltwater Fish
For people who love to enjoy the color and variety of aquarium fish but don't have enough time to devote to their maintenance, saltwater fish are an excellent alternative. They are creatures that do not require much time to care for, although you do need to properly inform yourself if you are just starting out in this hobby. Fish are beings that require a slightly variable and conducive environment, a regular diet and someone who provides them with the minimum of attention.
In order to successfully install a marine fish aquarium, continuous controls of its conditions are required to prevent any problem. However, in practice, once the saltwater fish tank has been set up properly, it will only require a few minutes of dedication per week.
The varieties of saltwater fish that we will buy for this kind of aquarium are much more expensive than the freshwater ones, but the beauty that we can achieve with these fish, to which corals must be added, is unspeakable, and will cause that all the effort and work carried out has been worth it.
Benefits of Saltwater Fish?
We are in times in which the number of people who are attracted to aquarium hobby, or interest in breeding fish and other aquatic creatures in home aquariums, is increasing. Moreover, according to recent research, added to being one of the most popular forms of recreation on the planet, it provides therapeutic effects that benefit us by reducing the level of stress, by lowering the heart rate and causing a state of comprehensive relaxation.
We have to keep in mind that this hobby involves great responsibility and that it also requires some effort for its implementation and time for its maintenance. In a saltwater aquarium, the aim is to emulate as closely as possible the habitat and environmental conditions of the fauna it is going to house, so that the animals subsist and are in unbeatable conditions.
You should know that there are different varieties of saltwater fish and each species has particular characteristics, either in terms of temperature or the environment. It is recommended that before procuring any fish you should inform yourself of its specific needs.
Needs for the Aquarium
Fish accustomed to this environment obviously require salt water, which is obtained by combining 34 grams of salt per liter of liquid, keeping in mind that they are special packages that you only get in specialized stores. The salt level must be measured periodically with a hydrometer and must be between 1,020 and 1,023.
Temperature is a highly relevant factor for most saltwater fish. It could be around 26ºC in general, although as has already been pointed out, there are species with particular needs. Elements, gravel and vegetation should be added as is usually done in any other aquarium. The container must be large enough to accommodate all members without disturbing each other.
You should also control the pH levels so that they are above 8,2, the nitrate levels above 5 ppm, the alkalinity from 2,5 to 3,5 meg/l and the calcium. You should not worry if you see that there is a lot of information to assimilate, in pet stores they will provide you with the best advice on how you should supervise all these variables appropriately.
In addition to all of the above, you need to inform yourself and place a filter in your new aquarium for sanitizing the animals. Thanks to this filter you will not need to replace all the water in the aquarium continuously and you will improve the quality of the environment of your saltwater fish. Finally, it is recommended to locate the aquarium in a place where it receives direct sunlight.
Examples of Saltwater Fish
Now that you know about the most important essential care of saltwater fish, it is time to find out what are some of the species that you can choose for your aquarium:
Damsels
Damsels are an appropriate alternative for those starting out with a saltwater aquarium. They are fish that have a size of 7 centimeters, they like to walk alone and they tolerate certain changes in the environment. We must make it clear that damsels are somewhat violent among themselves and particularly with shy fish, for this reason it is essential to keep them only in aquariums of certain dimensions.
Payaso
Just like the damsels, the famous clown fish is extremely resistant to some alterations in the environment, although acclimatizing them is a more delicate task. This specimen of saltwater and intense colors resides in coral reefs where it is protected by anemones to whom it provides a "cleaning" service since it periodically removes bacteria from its mouth. This curious friendship highlights the serenity of the clownfish, which it does not exhibit in front of other clownfish, with whom it can be violent.
gobies
There are more than 2.000 species of gobies and they are ideal for beginners as they are only about 10 centimeters long. They can be found in various shapes and colors living in modest communities. In certain cases we find cleaner gobies whose food is the parasites of other fish. In other cases they appear as symbiotic fish that act in defense of the crustaceans that give them shelter and food. Gobies are highly adaptable to small changes in temperature and/or environment. You should check which is the most convenient type for you.
Magenta Dwarf Perch
The magenta dwarf perch is a saltwater species that does not need a large aquarium, they are somewhat territorial with other tiny fish and need an environment with shelters in which to hide. They are hermaphroditic creatures with very intense colors that can surprise you and make your aquarium a wonderful place. It remains true that you should be well informed before deciding to adopt one.
Emperor Angelfish
It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and coveted fish, but the emperor angelfish requires an owner with experience in saltwater aquariums. It usually does not reach 30 centimeters in length. It is a fish that likes to be alone and that adapts easily to existence in captivity. Taking proper care can reach 10 years of existence. It needs a medium to large aquarium with some decoration and rocks where it can move freely.
Blue Shadow Surgeonfish
Due to its unique coloring, the blue-shaded surgeonfish is one of the most appreciated species by fish lovers. It has a large size, usually reaching a length of about 40 centimeters, so they need a size of a certain dimension. Like the angelfish, this blue-shaded specimen loves to be alone and roam the reefs. It requires rigorous maintenance as it requires a well-lit, stable environment. For its survival it also requires an owner with experience in these matters.
Razor fish
It resides in calm reef regions of the Red Sea and the Indo-Pacific Ocean, and gets its name because its figure is elongated and thin like the edge of a knife or razor. Its length can reach about 15 centimeters and in the wild it eats everything, so it can feed on modest crustaceans and algae. The color of the razor fish varies between brown and olive green with gray and black. On the other hand, we cannot fail to emphasize that, on certain occasions, it can be violent with fish that move quickly.
striped wrasse
It is native to the Pacific Ocean, Australia and Easter Island, and exhibits bluish, orange and yellow colors in its body. It shows a mouth in the form of a beak to be able to extract the food from between the rocks and the sand. It is a carnivorous animal whose diet consists of clams and shrimp; It loves to be surrounded by other fish and live together with other species, since it is extremely calm and sociable. On the other hand, you must have available live rocks and sand to hide.
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